Picture the majestic structure before you. This is Our Lady of Sorrows Church. Its history whispers through the stained glass and carved oak. Our Lady of Sorrows Church wasn’t always this imposing.
The first church on this site wasn’t nearly as grand. It was dedicated in September 1889. That building stood on the corner of Academy and Fourth Street where a gymnasium is today. Imagine the simpler celebrations the original Our Lady of Sorrows Church hosted.
Then in April 1929 construction began on the church you see now. The Boston architectural firm Maginnis and Walsh designed it in the French Gothic style. This style was extremely popular in the 1920s for church buildings.
Our Lady of Sorrows Church is more than just bricks and mortar. The design itself teaches. Three major themes decorate the church. First Jesus’s mother’s participation in his passion. This theme appears in the exterior doorways and a large rear window.
The second theme celebrates the heroic people who spread Christ’s message. These figures are visible in the many stained glass windows. The third theme reflects the piety of Roman Catholics in the 1920s. This is seen most clearly in the figure of Christ the King above the main door.
Look closely at the massive pulpit. It’s elaborately carved oak. Twelve apostles adorn it. Painted panels feature five doctors of the Latin Church. These include St. Robert Bellarmine St. Ambrose Pope St. Gregory the Great St. Augustine and St. Jerome.
The stained glass windows are truly breathtaking. The side naves show saints and scenes from their lives. The east window displays the Coronation of the Virgin. The apse’s central window depicts the Annunciation.
Our Lady of Sorrows Church stands as a testament to faith. It reflects the dedication of parishioners and pastors throughout its history. The countless baptisms confirmations marriages and Holy Communions it has witnessed. These are all part of the church’s living story. A story that continues to unfold every day. Our Lady of Sorrows Church is a place of quiet beauty and enduring faith. A place of hope and solace.